Some families celebrate both Christmas and Chanukah as we are reminded by the young narrator of Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama (Knopf) by Selina Alko. She says she is the "mix of two traditions" — and revels in both.

No matter what holidays you celebrate, everyone enjoys a surprise — even those who say they don't like Bear's friends Goose and Fox. Oh! What a Surprise! (Boyds Mill) by Suzanne Bloom is sure to inspire homemade gifts as readers share the animals' joyful giving and receiving.

Regardless of what you celebrate during this season, it is a wonderful time of year — especially when you have the chance to share the surprises between the covers of a book with a child.